PureVPN Turns 18: A Look Back at Two Decades of Protecting Digital Freedom

PureVPN Turns 18: A Look Back at Two Decades of Protecting Digital Freedom

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PureVPNPureVPN Turns 18: A Look Back at Two Decades of Protecting Digital Freedom

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In 2006, the most common VPN search was: “What is a VPN?”

By 2018, people were querying: “VPN for streaming.”

And now in 2025, searches have shifted to: “Best VPN for remote work, privacy, and AI protection.”

What started as a desire for secure browsing has transformed. The internet has changed. Once a playground of anonymity and open access, it’s now shaped by surveillance, censorship, and algorithmic manipulation. As threats have evolved, so has PureVPN.

This year, PureVPN celebrates its 18th anniversary – not just a milestone, but confirmation that its mission still matters. From fighting censorship in the early days to building full-stack security, PureVPN remains at the forefront of digital protection.

To mark this journey, we’re offering an exclusive anniversary deal, read on to discover why this offer is the best one yet.  

When the Internet Felt Like Freedom

In 2007, the web was still innocent. Facebook and YouTube were in their infancy. Browsers were the gateway to the digital world. Phones weren’t “smart,” and “privacy policy” wasn’t a common phrase.

There was no GDPR. AI tracking was unheard of. Censorship was rare – until governments began blocking tools like Skype and VoIP.

That’s when PureVPN was born. With just 2 servers and a single mission: “Creating a safe, private and open internet for all”. 

Celebrating 18 Years of Progress: A Timeline of Milestones

Here’s a look back at how we’ve grown alongside your digital needs, milestone by milestone.

YearMilestone
2007PureVPN sets up its first dedicated office and begins its journey in online privacy.
2008Launch of PureVPN for consumer security.
2009–2010Expansion of the global server network, launch of dedicated apps for Windows and Mac, and introduction of Dedicated IP.
2011–2012Android and iOS apps are released, allowing users to stay connected from anywhere and on any device. 24/7 customer support is also introduced.
2013–2014The user base has surpassed 200,000, and our team expanded to 100 members. New add-ons and features are introduced, including OpenVPN protocol, NAT Firewall, and Internet Kill Switch. 
2015–2016Milestone of 1 million users reached, marking massive global adoption.
2017–2018Earns no-log status and becomes the first VPN to be always-on audit, reinforcing its commitment to transparency.
2019–2021Built product teams for faster innovation and reduced VPN connection time to under 5 seconds.
2022-2024PureVPN leverages ISO 27001-certified ISMS  and earns the VPN Trust Seal, setting a new standard for industry accountability.
2025 and beyondPureVPN expanded its offerings to go beyond traditional VPN services, introducing a comprehensive suite of features: Dark Web Monitoring, Password Manager, Tracker & Ad Blocker, and Remove My Data.

Each of these moments reflects a step forward – not just for us, but for the millions of users who trust PureVPN to secure their digital lives.

18 Years in the Making

The cybersecurity landscape has changed drastically over the past two decades, and so have we. PureVPN began with a singular mission: to provide secure, encrypted access to the internet. But as threats evolved, so did we.

Today, PureVPN is more than a VPN. It’s a multi-layered privacy and security suite that includes VPN protection, a Password Manager, Dark Web Monitoring, Remove My Data, and a Tracker & Ad Blocker – all built into a single app.

This shift reflects one thing: Users shouldn’t have to choose between privacy, usability, and affordability. With one platform, PureVPN addresses modern threats in a fast, accessible, and secure way.

From Encrypted Browsing to Full-Spectrum Security

PureVPN began as a simple VPN service. But in an era defined by surveillance capitalism, it had to rebuild and evolve:

  • We became the first VPN to offer Always-On Audits.
    No annual PR-driven audits – just independently verified and audited transparency.
  • We stopped thinking in terms of tools.
    Recognizing that VPN alone wasn’t enough, passwords were being leaked, and data was being sold. Privacy needed a new playbook.

Built for the Threats of 2025 and Beyond

Cybercrime in 2025 is unlike anything the internet faced in its early days. AI-powered phishing, voice cloning, credential stuffing, and identity theft have reshaped the threat landscape.

  • According to IBM, the average cost of a data breach is now $4.9 million.
  • Over 53.3 billion identity records are circulating on the dark web.
  • The FBI reported at least $16 billion in cybercrime losses in 2024, a 33% increase from the previous year.
  • 87% of organizations report facing AI-powered cyberattacks in the past year.
  • 73% of identity-based breaches in 2024 were due to compromised credentials
  • A staggering 703% surge in credential phishing attacks occurred in the second half of 2024, with 82.6% of phishing emails now AI-generated

Despite the sophistication of these attacks, the most common entry point remains simple: exposed credentials. Weak passwords, credential reuse, and human error continue to open the door.

That’s why PureVPN’s features — Dark Web Monitoring, Password Manager, Remove My Data, and Tracker & Ad Blocker – offer comprehensive protection.

This is more than privacy – it’s practical, proactive security engineered for the hostile, AI-driven world of 2025 and beyond.

Read more: Built for High-Risk Users: How PureVPN’s Password Manager Closes a Critical Security Gap

PureVPN’s 18th Anniversary Offer: Our Biggest Yet

To celebrate 18 years of securing online freedom, we’re making our most advanced security offering more accessible than ever.

Get:

  • 83% OFF our 2-Year Max Plan and 6 extra months
  • Plus, Mystery Box packed with exclusive perks

Because in a world where your privacy is constantly under threat, your protection shouldn’t be limited — or overpriced.

So, What’s Inside the Mystery Box?

It’s our way of saying thank you. Every Mystery Box includes a surprise perk that could be anything from:

  • Luxury travel vouchers
  • Free PureVPN credit for future upgrades
  • In-game currency
  • Premium app features and more

Here’s how to claim your Mystery Box:

  1. Subscribe to the 2-Year Max Plan
  2. Use PureVPN for 31 days
  3. Get your surprise Mystery Box delivered via email

It’s a small celebration of how far we’ve come and a gift for those who’ve supported us on this journey.

This limited-time offer represents not only our appreciation for the users who’ve joined us along the way, but also our mission to make full-stack digital protection available to all.

Get the Anniversary Offer →

The Road Ahead: PureVPN’s Mission in 2025 and Beyond

The internet may be evolving faster than ever, but so is our commitment.

We’re building for a world where digital freedom, privacy, and mobility are fundamental, not optional. Whether it’s through expanding global access, developing privacy tools for high-risk users, or creating a seamless all-in-one security experience, PureVPN continues to lead with purpose.

In 2007, users asked: What is a VPN?
In 2025, they ask: How can I protect every part of my digital life?

We’ve spent 18 years answering that question, and we’re just getting started.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q1. What is the 18th Birthday Deal?

We’re celebrating 18 years of defending digital freedom! Get 83% off our 2-Year Max Plan, enjoy 6 extra months free, and unlock access to our limited-time Mystery Box surprise.

Q2. What is the Mystery Box?

It’s our way of giving back! The Mystery Box could include anything from luxury travel tickets to free credit for future purchases, in-game currency, or other digital goodies.

Q3. What makes PureVPN different after 18 years?

We’ve evolved with the internet, fighting back against censorship, surveillance, and data exploitation. Today, we offer:

  • 99.99% uptime
  • No-log VPN with regular audits
  • Real-time Tracker & Ad Blocker
  • Dark Web Monitoring
  • Password Manager
  • Remove My Data

All built into one powerful privacy suite.

Q4. How does Dark Web Monitoring work?

It alerts you if your critical identifiers appear on the dark web, helping you act before it’s too late.

Q5. Do I need to install separate apps for these tools?

No. The privacy tools (Tracker & Ad Blocker, Password Manager, Remove My Data, and Dark Web Monitoring) are all built into the PureVPN app, so you don’t need to juggle multiple apps.

Q6. What if I face issues after subscribing?

Our 24/7 support team is ready to help, whether you’re experiencing connection issues, need assistance with app setup, or have account questions. Please reach out to us via live chat or email.

Q7. Is there a refund policy if I change my mind?

Yes. We offer a 31-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not satisfied, please contact our support within 31 days to receive a full refund.

Q8. Can I use my PureVPN account on multiple devices?

Absolutely. You can connect up to 10 devices simultaneously under one account, making it perfect for use at home, during travel, or at work.

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